ICC rejects request to hold Kenya trials in Africa

The Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have decided, in a plenary session, that the commencement of the trial against William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang will take place at the seat of the Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, rejecting the joint defence request to hold hearings in Kenya or in Tanzania. The trial is scheduled to commence on 10 September 2013, in the presence of the accused.

The Judges, while in principle in favour of bringing the ICC’s proceedings closer to the affected communities, concluded that the proceedings in this instance shall be held at the ICC’s headquarters. The Judges reached this conclusion after an extensive discussion that considered the observations of all the parties and participants, the ICC Registry’s assessment as well as the positions of the relevant national authorities. In their consideration of the matter, the Judges took into account numerous factors, such as security, the cost of holding proceedings outside The Hague, the potential impact on victims and witnesses, the length of the proceedings to be held away from the seat of the Court, the potential impact on the perception of the Court and the impact on the Court’s ability to conduct and support other proceedings that are taking place simultaneously at the seat of the Court.

About the International Law Observer

Welcome to the International Law Observer, a blog dedicated to reports, commentary and the discussion of topical issues in international law. Please make sure to read the latest news and to receive in-depth information in our special coverage section. You have suggestions, comments or ideas? Feel free to contact us!

Copyright notice & disclaimer

Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than with the express permission from the respective author(s).

The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. The authors of this website make no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose.